Soon, your sweat could help you track your health in real time – The Times of India
Sweat is more than just a sign of exertion; it’s a biological treasure trove. As an ultra-diluted version of blood, it carries many of the same biomarkers, such as glucose, lactic acid, and electrolytes. For years, researchers have known that sweat could provide insights into a person’s health. But the challenge has been in accurately measuring these biomarkers, given their small amounts in sweat.
Now, imagine a device that could harness this information, enabling real-time, needle-free health monitoring. It would revolutionise how we manage chronic conditions like diabetes, which currently rely on finger pricks or invasive continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) for regular blood sugar tracking. It’s a solution that promises not only greater comfort but also improved accessibility, compliance, and affordability for millions of patients worldwide — especially in India, which has the largest number of diabetics in the world with 212 million cases.
Breakthrough in Real-Time Monitoring
The ability to measure biomarkers in sweat with precision requires cutting-edge technology. This is where graphene — a Nobel Prize-winning material known for its incredible sensitivity and conductivity — comes into play. With its ability to detect molecular changes at the nanoscale, graphene is now the foundation for a new generation of health monitoring devices.
Unlike traditional CGMs that rely on tiny needles under the skin, these wearable devices use sensors embedded with graphene to detect biomarkers in sweat. The sensors act as electronic ‘tongues’, binding specific molecules to enzymes or antibodies on their surface. This interaction triggers an electrical response that can be measured and transmitted to a paired app on a smartphone or any other wearable device. The result? Real-time insights into glucose, cholesterol, hydration, and more — all without breaking the skin.
“People deserve tools that are as seamless and non-invasive as possible”, says Meet Vora, a nanotechnology expert who’s one of the inventors of the technology and is Chief Operating Officer of San Francisco-based GraphWear.
From Lab to Everyday Life
The development of sweat-based monitoring requires overcoming significant challenges, from scaling the manufacturing process to conducting rigorous trials. Today, the technology is on the brink of commercialisation, backed by successful feasibility studies on both diabetic and non-diabetic people.
These trials showed that glucose levels measured through sweat are as accurate as those obtained through traditional CGMs. Moreover, the wearable device proved to be reliable in sedentary and physically active states. “When we started, we had a tiny bench and a vision,” Vora says. “Now, we’re scaling up production in an 11,000-sq-foot facility, preparing for pivotal clinical trials involving over 100 participants.” The technology has already been tested to monitor lactate and hydration levels in racehorses during treadmill workouts. It has also been used by endurance athletes, such as Ironman competitors, to track fatigue and recovery in real time.
The benefits of sweat-based monitoring will eventually go beyond patients with chronic diseases. Athletes could use the technology to optimise performance and recovery. The elderly or those in remote areas could benefit from continuous health tracking without frequent clinic visits. By addressing barriers like discomfort, cost, and accessibility, this innovation could pave the way for more equitable and effective healthcare.
